Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking tiagabine include
the following:

* The medication is approved only to treat partial seizures in people with
epilepsy. If you do not have seizures or epilepsy, taking tiagabine can
actually increase your risk of having seizures. If you are taking tiagabine
"off-label" for an unapproved use (such as for treating anxiety or bipolar
disorder), tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a seizure.

* As with all seizure medications, tiagabine should not be stopped suddenly

* The medication can cause concentration problems, speech problems,
drowsiness, and problems with coordination. Be sure to tell your healthcare
provider if you develop any of these tiagabine side effects. Also, make sure
that you know how tiagabine affects you before driving or operating any
machinery.

* It is possible that tiagabine may increase the risk of status epilepticus
(a dangerous seizure that lasts a very long time, often more than 30
minutes). If you have a seizure that lasts longer than usual or is different
in any way from your usual seizures, seek immediate medical attention.

* About 1 percent of people taking tiagabine report experiencing extreme
weakness. This usually goes away once the medication is stopped.

* In dogs, tiagabine binds to tissues in the eye, suggesting that it may
cause eye problems. It is not known if this is also true for humans. Tell
your healthcare provider if you notice any eye or vision problems that are
possibly due to tiagabine.

* The liver helps remove tiagabine from your body. If you have liver
disease, your healthcare provider may suggest a lower tiagabine dosage.

* The recommended dose depends on which other seizure medications you are
taking. Make sure your healthcare provider knows about all the medications
you are taking, and be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you stop or
start any medication, especially seizure medications.

* In rare cases, tiagabine has been reported to cause dangerous skin rashes
(which can lead to loss of large sections of skin). While most rashes due to
the drug are not dangerous, be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you
notice any unexplained rash while you are taking it.

* Tiagabine can interact with other medications

* Tiagabine is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that
it may not be safe for pregnant women. Talk to your healthcare provider
about the risks and benefits of taking the drug while pregnant (see Gabitril
and Pregnancy).

* It is not known if tiagabine passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you
are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare
provider prior to taking the drug

* Early evidence suggests that seizure medications, including tiagabine, may
increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors